Warne, Haddin fortify Clarke

Brad Haddin and Shane Warne have both provided reassurance to Michael Clarke during his captaincy and helped him, in different ways, during his hundred in Adelaide

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Haddin lauds Clarke form

Among the many routines established by Michael Clarke over near enough to a decade in the Australian Test team, one stands out for its inconsistent application but invariably rewarding results. Whenever he can, Clarke spends time with his friend and mentor Shane Warne, discussing the game and his own batting. More than anything else, Clarke seeks reassurance, of the kind Warne once sought himself from Terry Jenner, aka the "spin doctor".

Warne is not always available to Clarke, his celebrity schedule precluding their crossing paths on plenty of tours and during plenty of matches. But when they do, the effect can be immediate. Take this passage from Clarke's Ashes Diary published before the current bout with England. The match that followed was the third Test at Old Trafford, where Clarke stroked his way to 187.

"Tonight, Kyly and I went for a quick dinner with him, talking about the game and the series so far. I was asking him for anything he's seen in the two matches that can give us an edge. He's a great friend and I value his opinions. Most of all, what he gives me is an injection of self-belief. When I worry about my game, Warney is saying, 'No, mate, you're creaming them, you'll make a hundred for sure.'

"When it comes from a player and watcher of his quality and experience, I believe him. I don't think I've ever come out of a conversation with Warney where I don't have a smile on my face and am walking a bit taller, ready to face whatever or whoever I'm facing. He's a fantastic mentor and motivator. I wish I could carry that confidence with me every day of my life."

Early assault was planned - Haddin

Australia's vice-captain Brad Haddin revealed that he and Michael Clarke had planned to attack early on the second day to capitalise on the scoring chances offered by a hard, new ball and a pitch fresh from rolling. The pair put on 66 runs in the first hour at better than four an over, pushing England on to the back foot where they remained all day.

"We thought that was going to be the best time to bat," Haddin said. "The ball was only 10 overs old and the roller had just been on it, so we thought we were going to have a pretty good opportunity to get the game moving forward in that first session, so it was important from our point of view we got the game moving forward and got the scoreboard moving."

Haddin's century was his first for Australia since returning to the team after spending time away from the game with his ill daughter, a passage of time that he said had reminded him of cricket's secondary importance to family. Having missed out on a century at the Gabba in his 50th Test, Haddin mused that he might have been quite emotional had the milestone been reached in Brisbane.

"[The time away] showed me cricket was just a game," he said. "I'm pretty lucky I didn't score that hundred up in Brisbane when all my kids were there, so I'm pretty relieved I got it here when they're not here."

Clarke and Warne had dinner in Adelaide on the first night of this Test, while the captain sat pensively on 48 not out. When he resumed on day two he looked very much indeed like a man ready to face "whatever or whoever". Helping this was the fact he was accompanied by Brad Haddin, another senior figure to have had an enormous influence on Clarke.

Anxiety had been evident in much of Australia's batting on the first day, but Clarke and Haddin showed no such signs when they resumed. Tucking confidently into what remained of the second new ball, they then warded off the threat posed by the spin of Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann with such aplomb that the run rate continued to lift, rather than being slowed by the turning ball.

A batsman as nimble on his feet as Clarke can make spin bowling the sort of art that appears too difficult for even the rare breed that feels driven to practise it. Panesar and Swann were the men most likely to surge through Australia on the second morning, as the drop-in pitch offered a level of deviation quite disconcerting for any new batsman - Steve Smith finding this out to his discomfort on day one.

But Clarke's feet neutralised Panesar with a precision that left England's spinners doubting the existence of any such thing as a perfect length. In the space of one early over, Clarke skipped down to a flighted ball on the full and clipped it to the midwicket boundary. Three balls later a delivery of good line and sharp spin but subtly shorter length was cut behind point with a crispness that drew awed applause from the oval's members enclosure. Next delivery Clarke was down again and jogging a single - Panesar has bowled far worse maidens, yet this over had cost nine runs.

"We know he's such a good player of spin bowling, he's so quick on his feet and it was important we kept the scoreboard moving in that first session," Hadin said later. "It was the best time with the ball being hard and the best the wicket was for the match. You've seen since Michael's taken over his batting's gone to another level. He loves batting at this ground, he averages over 100 here, so I think he's just done what he's done over the last few years so it was no surprise."

By the end of the first hour, 66 runs had been added without loss, leaving Alastair Cook's brow deeply furrowed and England's attitude sunken from cautious optimism to grim thoughts of settling in to scrounge a draw. They were to be sent scurrying around the oval for some time yet, however, as Haddin set about compiling the century that had eluded him in Brisbane.

Like Warne, Haddin has played a large part in shaping Clarke's thoughts on the game, and the manner in which he drives it forward. A bold and brazen captain of New South Wales, Haddin's aggression and invention left a lasting impression on the young Clarke, who remained loyal to him as a leader even after Simon Katich was recruited from Western Australia and installed as leader of the Blues.

Haddin and Clarke are less similar than Clarke and Warne, their shared interests and outlooks tending to begin and end with the winning of cricket matches, though there is also a mutual love of family between them. Over time they have come to realise that they need each other, the vice-captain's clear thinking and common touch with team-mates allowing Clarke more room to concentrate on the imperious batting he is most admired for. Their respective roles as old salt and young protege were still evident in what become a record stand for the sixth wicket in Adelaide.

There was a time when Clarke had the chance to bring Haddin back into the team and did not, as part of a selection panel that kept Matthew Wade as Test gloveman despite his predecessor's return from compassionate leave to be with his gravely ill daughter Mia. At the time Haddin was steadfast in his belief that he would be called upon, a view that would be proved right. Ultimately, Clarke was reunited with the man who had informed much of his agile captaincy and batting, for the same reason he had dined with Warne. Reassurance.

weather is the only factor that can help for england other wise 2-0 at the end of the match...Best wishes for Aussies...

victoria
on December 7, 2013, 0:12 GMT

Notwithstanding the universal respect that Shane Warne gets from almost all and sundry, concerning his celebrity status in world cricket, I am one who does not trust anything that he says - he is a Las Vegas celebrity! These kind of celebritiess only say things that are 'potentially loaded' with cash! Warne never had any behaviour when he played, I wonder how I'm the only one who does not trust anything that he says! And check it I'm right almost every time!

Gopalakrishna
on December 6, 2013, 18:55 GMT

Clarke is great captain with a mediocre team at his disposal unlike past great teams of Australia. Imagine Clarke captaining the early 2000s and late 1990s Australian great teams? he would have had ever greater success I think. A very imaginative person and good reader of cricket, testimony to that is his bowling changes, field placements and the invention he brings into them. One problem he has is his team is not that great and niche he developed with the team is not that great either, unlike his predecessors.Only way England can escape blushes from this test is some heroics from couple of their players. I think this pitch will deteriorate on final two days and batting will be difficult. Any dry pitch that will be the fate, England definitely did no good by losing the toss here.

M
on December 6, 2013, 18:34 GMT

Good to see clarke perform consistently, he's a great player and captain. Im waiting for KP to step up to the challenge, i remember when he took SA challenge when SA where in england. He smacked an attack of philander, steyn and morkel all over the ground. If Kp fails its all over for england

Chandru
on December 6, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Clarke in my opinion is the best batsman and captain in the world of cricket. His batting performance significantly improved after he assumed captaincy - this usually the other way for most other captains in test cricket, as captaincy pressure gets to them - not with Clarke. He somehow finds a way to relish his batting in tough situations.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 13:31 GMT

There was a definite change early in the day's play. Once again fielders were all around the bat ready to strangle the scoring rate but Clarke and Haddin , to their credit were having none of it!! It was refreshing to see them take the game by the scruff of the neck and attack...you could see the poms deflate. I just hope that they haven't got too many runs and have to decide on a follow on or not.It would be a hard pitch too bowl two innings consecutively! But let's not get ahead of ourselves eng have a great batting lineup.....bring on day three!!

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:30 GMT

Clarke is a rare gem among the current generation of players. He is comfortable in all kinds of conditions which can be said about only a few players. Hope he gets the required support and encouragement from his countrymen.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:04 GMT

Hyperbole as usual. The Aussies are fired up and have run into a jaded and fading England. Let's get this right, as that is what is happening. Maybe a little like 2005, although the two sets of teams are not worthy of being on the same field together.

Tim
on December 6, 2013, 9:59 GMT

Great article Daniel. Clarke always strikes me as someone looking for reassurance, whether from his mentors or the Australian public. Its like he has never truly believed in his own ability, which is why some of the Australian public also have their doubts on him.
When you think that the English pundits rate KP and Cook among some of the all time great players, yet Clarke's record surpasses both of them as a player and as a captain, you wonder when exactly Clarke starts getting mentioned as one of the game's greats. Probably when this series is won for the Aussies....?
Scary to imagine how good he will become if he realises how great he is, himself.

ubaid
on December 7, 2013, 6:59 GMT

weather is the only factor that can help for england other wise 2-0 at the end of the match...Best wishes for Aussies...

victoria
on December 7, 2013, 0:12 GMT

Notwithstanding the universal respect that Shane Warne gets from almost all and sundry, concerning his celebrity status in world cricket, I am one who does not trust anything that he says - he is a Las Vegas celebrity! These kind of celebritiess only say things that are 'potentially loaded' with cash! Warne never had any behaviour when he played, I wonder how I'm the only one who does not trust anything that he says! And check it I'm right almost every time!

Gopalakrishna
on December 6, 2013, 18:55 GMT

Clarke is great captain with a mediocre team at his disposal unlike past great teams of Australia. Imagine Clarke captaining the early 2000s and late 1990s Australian great teams? he would have had ever greater success I think. A very imaginative person and good reader of cricket, testimony to that is his bowling changes, field placements and the invention he brings into them. One problem he has is his team is not that great and niche he developed with the team is not that great either, unlike his predecessors.Only way England can escape blushes from this test is some heroics from couple of their players. I think this pitch will deteriorate on final two days and batting will be difficult. Any dry pitch that will be the fate, England definitely did no good by losing the toss here.

M
on December 6, 2013, 18:34 GMT

Good to see clarke perform consistently, he's a great player and captain. Im waiting for KP to step up to the challenge, i remember when he took SA challenge when SA where in england. He smacked an attack of philander, steyn and morkel all over the ground. If Kp fails its all over for england

Chandru
on December 6, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Clarke in my opinion is the best batsman and captain in the world of cricket. His batting performance significantly improved after he assumed captaincy - this usually the other way for most other captains in test cricket, as captaincy pressure gets to them - not with Clarke. He somehow finds a way to relish his batting in tough situations.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 13:31 GMT

There was a definite change early in the day's play. Once again fielders were all around the bat ready to strangle the scoring rate but Clarke and Haddin , to their credit were having none of it!! It was refreshing to see them take the game by the scruff of the neck and attack...you could see the poms deflate. I just hope that they haven't got too many runs and have to decide on a follow on or not.It would be a hard pitch too bowl two innings consecutively! But let's not get ahead of ourselves eng have a great batting lineup.....bring on day three!!

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:30 GMT

Clarke is a rare gem among the current generation of players. He is comfortable in all kinds of conditions which can be said about only a few players. Hope he gets the required support and encouragement from his countrymen.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:04 GMT

Hyperbole as usual. The Aussies are fired up and have run into a jaded and fading England. Let's get this right, as that is what is happening. Maybe a little like 2005, although the two sets of teams are not worthy of being on the same field together.

Tim
on December 6, 2013, 9:59 GMT

Great article Daniel. Clarke always strikes me as someone looking for reassurance, whether from his mentors or the Australian public. Its like he has never truly believed in his own ability, which is why some of the Australian public also have their doubts on him.
When you think that the English pundits rate KP and Cook among some of the all time great players, yet Clarke's record surpasses both of them as a player and as a captain, you wonder when exactly Clarke starts getting mentioned as one of the game's greats. Probably when this series is won for the Aussies....?
Scary to imagine how good he will become if he realises how great he is, himself.

No featured comments at the moment.

Tim
on December 6, 2013, 9:59 GMT

Great article Daniel. Clarke always strikes me as someone looking for reassurance, whether from his mentors or the Australian public. Its like he has never truly believed in his own ability, which is why some of the Australian public also have their doubts on him.
When you think that the English pundits rate KP and Cook among some of the all time great players, yet Clarke's record surpasses both of them as a player and as a captain, you wonder when exactly Clarke starts getting mentioned as one of the game's greats. Probably when this series is won for the Aussies....?
Scary to imagine how good he will become if he realises how great he is, himself.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:04 GMT

Hyperbole as usual. The Aussies are fired up and have run into a jaded and fading England. Let's get this right, as that is what is happening. Maybe a little like 2005, although the two sets of teams are not worthy of being on the same field together.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 11:30 GMT

Clarke is a rare gem among the current generation of players. He is comfortable in all kinds of conditions which can be said about only a few players. Hope he gets the required support and encouragement from his countrymen.

Dummy4
on December 6, 2013, 13:31 GMT

There was a definite change early in the day's play. Once again fielders were all around the bat ready to strangle the scoring rate but Clarke and Haddin , to their credit were having none of it!! It was refreshing to see them take the game by the scruff of the neck and attack...you could see the poms deflate. I just hope that they haven't got too many runs and have to decide on a follow on or not.It would be a hard pitch too bowl two innings consecutively! But let's not get ahead of ourselves eng have a great batting lineup.....bring on day three!!

Chandru
on December 6, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Clarke in my opinion is the best batsman and captain in the world of cricket. His batting performance significantly improved after he assumed captaincy - this usually the other way for most other captains in test cricket, as captaincy pressure gets to them - not with Clarke. He somehow finds a way to relish his batting in tough situations.

M
on December 6, 2013, 18:34 GMT

Good to see clarke perform consistently, he's a great player and captain. Im waiting for KP to step up to the challenge, i remember when he took SA challenge when SA where in england. He smacked an attack of philander, steyn and morkel all over the ground. If Kp fails its all over for england

Gopalakrishna
on December 6, 2013, 18:55 GMT

Clarke is great captain with a mediocre team at his disposal unlike past great teams of Australia. Imagine Clarke captaining the early 2000s and late 1990s Australian great teams? he would have had ever greater success I think. A very imaginative person and good reader of cricket, testimony to that is his bowling changes, field placements and the invention he brings into them. One problem he has is his team is not that great and niche he developed with the team is not that great either, unlike his predecessors.Only way England can escape blushes from this test is some heroics from couple of their players. I think this pitch will deteriorate on final two days and batting will be difficult. Any dry pitch that will be the fate, England definitely did no good by losing the toss here.

victoria
on December 7, 2013, 0:12 GMT

Notwithstanding the universal respect that Shane Warne gets from almost all and sundry, concerning his celebrity status in world cricket, I am one who does not trust anything that he says - he is a Las Vegas celebrity! These kind of celebritiess only say things that are 'potentially loaded' with cash! Warne never had any behaviour when he played, I wonder how I'm the only one who does not trust anything that he says! And check it I'm right almost every time!

ubaid
on December 7, 2013, 6:59 GMT

weather is the only factor that can help for england other wise 2-0 at the end of the match...Best wishes for Aussies...

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